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"With flexible and versatile equipment, we save both time and money," says Marko Kokkonen, Test Development Engineer at IKEA in Älmhult. After a thorough preliminary investigation, the choice fell on the LTM 3kN from ZwickRoell..
IKEA is strongly committed to doing its part to address issues such as climate change. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company will increase the proportion of recycled materials in the products it sells. The recycled materials have unknown properties that need to be investigated.
To determine the properties of recycled materials needed for IKEA’s product development, the company is investing in ZwickRoell’s LTM equipment, which can perform material testing under axial and torsional loads. The new material data obtained through these tests will be used to perform calculations in computer systems used to design new products. These systems then calculate the product’s strength, thereby enabling digital and virtual product development. The prototypes and materials developed are also subjected to physical testing. This process saves both time and money for IKEA.
Previously, it was only possible to perform static tests until the specimen failed. With LTM, more advanced tests can be performed, as the machine is flexible and versatile. It is possible to conduct mechanical tests and obtain detailed results that can be used to modify materials to meet the product’s intended purpose. This makes it more efficient to develop the right materials and design for the right application.
We set high standards for our development department and conducted a thorough feasibility study. Thanks to our excellent collaboration with ZwickRoell’s demonstration laboratory in Germany—which was responsive and accommodating—we were able to make a well-informed decision. Another important factor is the strong local support and service provided by ZRS Testing System,” Marko concludes.